The Nigerian film industry has been plunged into grief following the reported death of veteran Nollywood actor and academic, Patrick Okoye, widely known by his stage name “Energy.”
The actor, who also served as a lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, is reported to have died in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2026. News of his passing first surfaced on his official Instagram page around 11 a.m., where a post featuring his photograph carried the brief tribute: “Rest in peace, legend.”
The announcement quickly spread across social media, drawing emotional reactions from fans and colleagues who expressed shock and sorrow in the comment section.
Further confirmation came in a statement attributed to the Head of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Dr. Nkemakonam Aniukwu. The statement said the university community had received the news with deep sadness, describing Okoye as a dedicated educator and respected figure in Nollywood.
The department paid tribute to him as a vibrant personality whose influence extended beyond film sets into classrooms, where he mentored and trained aspiring actors and filmmakers.
According to the statement, his death has left a significant void among colleagues, students, and the wider creative community. Prayers were also offered for his family as they come to terms with the loss.
Patrick Okoye built a strong reputation in Nollywood over the years through performances that earned him recognition and admiration from audiences. Beyond acting, he was known for his commitment to teaching, where students described him as approachable, passionate, and deeply invested in nurturing young talent in theatre and film.
His passing adds to a recent wave of losses in the Nigerian entertainment industry, intensifying the sense of grief among practitioners and fans alike.
